Is still worth an 2021 SEL Elantra with 165k miles?
Title: Is a 2021 Elantra SEL with 165k highway miles still worth buying, or am I asking for pain?
I’m considering buying a 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL (US import) with around 165,000 miles. Before everyone instantly says “run away,” hear me out lol.
The car is significantly cheaper than other Elantras I’ve seen locally. The other options are around 135k-147k miles, but they’re also about $1k+ more expensive in my country, so I’m trying to figure out whether the extra money is actually worth it or if they’re all basically in the same “high mileage modern car” category anyway.
Important context:
- Most of these miles are likely American highway miles, not city abuse.
- The car looks VERY clean inside and outside.
- No visible accident damage.
- I don’t drive that much. Probably around 500-600 miles/month max.
- I work mostly using a motorcycle, so the car would mainly be for comfort, occasional Uber, errands, and normal driving.
- I’d probably keep it around 2 years.
I already understand this is NOT a “like new” car. I’m expecting:
- maintenance,
- suspension wear,
- maybe coils/sensors eventually,
- normal high mileage stuff.
What I’m trying to figure out is:
- Is the 2021 Elantra 2.0 MPI + IVT combo actually capable of surviving well past 165k if maintained properly?
- How risky is the IVT realistically at this mileage?
- For owners with 150k-200k+ miles, what started failing first?
- Is there a major difference between 135k and 165k on these specifically, or are both already “high mileage territory” anyway?
- If you bought one at 165k knowing the car was maintained and drove smoothly, would you personally do it?
Also:
- I plan to do preventive maintenance immediately.
- Oil, filters, scan, transmission drain/fill (NOT aggressive flush), etc.
- I’m not expecting perfection, just trying to avoid buying a ticking time bomb.
I’d really appreciate honest owner experiences, especially from people with HIGH mileage 2021+ Elantras specifically.